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Hot ballot initiatives from around the country that we'll be tracking for you:
California:
Proposition 19: Legalize, Regulate, and Tax the Sale of Marijuana
Here's where adult indulgences might clash with parental instincts to protect one's kids--do as I say, but not as I do?
Arguments against legalization say that legality is akin to promotion, that pot is a gateway drug to stronger narcotics, and the intiative may be poorly written in such a way as to conflict with federal law restricting marijuana's sale and use, removing the ability of employers to "maintain a drug-free workplace consistent with federal law." Law enforcement officers are concerned they'll lose an important tool in the larger battle to control the trafficking of illicit substances.
Proponents see legalization as a way to regulate an already-thriving underground business and add to tax coffers in a rare exchange of freer use for willingness to open up new revenue for the state. Yes on Prop 19 folks argue that the initiative is written to prevent minors under the age of 21 access and that legality covers personal use only. In addition, those pro-19 say that the intiative accounts for increased criminal penalties for use, possession or distribution of marijuana for those under 21.
Public opinion polls show a slight majority against legalization, with some partisans against Prop 19 claiming that "support is evaporating faster than bong water at Burning Man...claims of benefits by proponents just aren't true."
[Updated at 6:10 pm PT] Some sources are saying Prop 19 isn't getting the youth turnout pundits thought were a shoo-in for this initiative.
Here's a quick hit from the LA Times about how both pro and con are using law enforcement to bolster their arguments.
[Updated at 10:02 pm PT]
Looks like the Bay Area supported Prop 19 strongly, along with a stong contingent of the youth vote, but the rest of the state had hesitations. From the linked article:
It lost 54% to 46% in Los Angeles County, and 59% to 41% in the rest of Southern California.
Men and women opposed it. Voters of every race and ethnicity opposed it.
Most importantly, older voters were decisively against the proposition and the midterm elections skewed toward their demographic.
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Washington state:
Initiative 1098: Levy a State Income Tax (for the first time) on Adjusted Gross Incomes (AGI) for Single Filers Above $200,000 (Joint Filers Above $400,000)
In a state where Microsoft millionaires and regular joes enjoy no--as in ZERO--state income taxes, this initiative would place a 5% tax on the highest-paid earners of the state (married joint filers with AGI of $400,000 and up, $30,000 plus 9% of the amount above $1,000,000). Also included: provisions that would reduce property taxes by 20% and allow a tax credit of up to $4,800 for a "business and occupation" tax.
Those in favor include Bill Gates Sr. (yes, father of that guy) and people welcoming estimated tax benefits to the state in an amount estimated to be $11 billion over five years.
Those opposed argue that this tax on people with high incomes will open doors to state income taxes on everyone, regardless of AGI, if this measure passes. They also claim that fewer jobs will be created and the wealthy will abandon the state.
[UPDATED 8:17 pm PT]
And it looks like Initiative 1098 has passed, with substantial support from big unions in Washington state. They argued that the sales tax was regressive and that seemed to resonate with pinched midde class voters.
[UPDATED 11-03-10, 7:07 am PT]
Whoops--my bad. Looks like last night's returns weren't as conclusive as I thought. Voters actually defeated this income tax initiative on the super-wealthy in Washington state.
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Colorado:
Amendment 62, Fetal Personhood: "Section 32. Person defined. As used in sections 3, 6, and
25 of Article II of the state constitution, the term "person"
shall apply to
